Where to begin?
Was…read moreit the Checker Marathon cab? The food? Was it (the not at all) Fat Dave? Some things are just ethereal. Not to wax poetic on YELP but Famous Fat Dave's Food Tours penetrates deeply. Food touches the soul, culture touches the soul, history touches the soul, and so experiencing all of that with Dave touched my kids and my soul. The 'food tour' had that intangible "what makes something special" in spades.
I am a native New Yorker, transplanted to the West Coast 20 years ago. I came to NYC, with my 2 kids and one of their friends after my dad passed (3 weeks ago) to experience it in a way that we haven't before. As a native, I'd never thought I would consider myself a tourist, but keeping an open mind and wishing for a special experience for the (teenage!) kids, I signed up. Dave literally transformed our visit.
Dave's passion for food reflects his passion for life. He's academic, Bohemian, a foodie, a great (vintage cab) driver, a local, and at your service with a smile. Give Dave the type of food you want (or don't want!), the area you want to visit (or don't want!), the length of time and experience you want (or don't want!) and he will accommodate.
Dave is responsive by text, phone, or email. He's relaxed, professional, caring, thoughtful, organized, and super well connected with the locals. Dave will show you as diverse a food experience as you want. We went to 9 places throughout the City and Brooklyn, in about 5 hrs. That was a lot, but it flowed so well! There's a lot of eating, so he paces you - trust him - he's done this many times (with some of the most celebrated chefs in the world as well - check out his website.) We broke up the tour for some digesting and a change of pace by visiting Coney Island and chillaxing (teen lingo) at the Boardwalk for about 45 or so minutes. Perfect time to recharge and have some more fun with the locals.
Eating the best pizza, Italian sandwiches, Asian soups, and desserts in NY, at the cozy, hole in the wall, locally loved favorites (with all the personalities that come with that!), we were more than satisfied at the end!!
Dave's Food Tours is memorable in every way. Some things just have to be experienced. This is one of them.
On behalf of my fam, and especially my Dad... thank you Dave.
PS.
Ask Dave what's splattered and stuck on his microwave's wall ... and what's in his freezer!! Bound to get a good story and smile!